Gloucester Rugby Fans Forum Round Up

Bryan Redpath, Carl Hogg, Chairman David McKnight and Ryan Walkinshaw met supporters at Kingsholm on Wednesday evening in the latest of the club's Fans Forums.

Fans were encouraged to come along and put questions to the quarter and the 1873 Suite was well populated on the evening. Questions were also submitted by email.

Understandably, questions were posed on a variety of subjects - some relating to on the field matters, some concerning the club in general.

Managing Director Ken Nottage kicked off proceedings with a summary of the season in general before opening the floor to questions.

The evening lasted approximately two hours but a brief summary of the topics covered are listed below.

To view a selection of images from the evening, you can view our gallery by clicking HERE.

Luke Narraway missing out on England training squad?

(BR) Naz pulled out of Saxons with a back injury which will probably need an operation shortly which would have ruled him out anyway. In playing and leadership terms, he's been great for Gloucester and unlucky to miss out for England.

Nick Wood being ignored by England?

(CH) Gloucester play a wide, dynamic game which means Nick doesn't hit as many rucks and mauls as props at other clubs. England seem to prefer the latter and Carl felt this is unfortunate for Woody and he feels an oversight by England. Carl Hayman said Nick is the best scrummaging loose head in the Premiership.

Adequate strength in squad for World Cup period? (BR) Tricky as it's difficult bringing in short term cover players and integrating them into the squad They may be here for a few weeks and then on the fringes. He's looking for other players to step up and take their opportunity.

Cover at full back position? (BR) Burns, Sharples, Taylor and Voyce have all covered Morgan. Mills capable as well. BR believes we'd have won semi final had Morgan played. Sharples possibly best fit given aerial skills and improving kicking game. Morgan's absence does leave a void but something we have to deal with.

(CH) Sharples playing at full back improves him as a winger as he develops a greater understanding of back three play.

Do Gloucester spend up to salary cap?

(RW) Yes. We did last year and are this year. But we also have to make room to re-sign players and had to up offers to fend off outside offers for likes of Simpson-Daniel and Tindall. RW feels keeping salary cap in place is crucial for long term future of the game.

(KN) We almost lost Sinbad in particular and had to work hard to keep him.

Has the player market changed?

(DM) Yes, the European influence has put pressure on English clubs. RFU position on selecting England based players has helped but competing with clubs with limitless budgets is difficult so salary cap is vital even though it may frustrate the odd English club. Signing big name players doesn't always work. We'd prefer to develop talent and pay them what they're worth.

Place kicking?

(BR) The kickers do receive coaching. Robinson was desperate to make a success of the role. Taylor is probably most consistent in training. It has been a concern. The aim is to improve the kickers mentally and under pressure on the pitch and work is already underway.

Players leaving when they want to stay?

(BR) Doran-Jones could have stayed right up until the last minute. Discussions opened as early as preseason and the door wasn't closed. Northampton's offer was matched. It was his call. Tough decisions had to be made regarding the make up of the squad. BR complimented the attitude of those who weren't offered new deals.

(CH) Two years ago, PDJ was at London Welsh and developed into an international with Gloucester. We wanted to keep him. The offer was great but he's chosen to try and oust Mujati.

(RW) When he signed, Saints were 1st and we were 7th - things change quickly! It looked a good call at that point.

Olivier Azam?

(RW)Zed is a family friend and epitomised what a Gloucester front row forward should be. However, he did bow out on a high rather than carry on and perhaps struggle with fitness. We did consider an offer to discuss World Cup cover but he declined. He hasn't pursued a playing career elsewhere, has gone into coaching and we wish him well.

(KN) Met with Olivier a couple of days ago and he he's very happy with things and has nothing but fond memories of Gloucester.

(BR) No-one could ever commit his commitment to Gloucester. However, things have to move on. There's no room for sentiment. The senior players have to set new standards. Similar situation when BR left his playing career at Sale to come to coach at Gloucester. Great opportunity for Zed at Toulon.

Goals for preseason and beyond?

(CH) We'll work hard and be fit as the modern game is multi phase. We have to get our game understanding up to speed and have everybody on the same page. Not many newcomers will help in that respect. We have to evolve some of our game. Finally, we need to develop our culture, where performing for Gloucester is more important than the individual.

(BR) The first challenge is Heineken Cup rugby and finishing top 6 to achieve that. Secondly, Kingsholm is precious and we never want to lose here. Finally, develop the mentality of winning away from Kingsholm more regularly.

(CH) We got a few monkeys off our back last season, winning at certain away grounds and winning the LV= Final.

Twitter & Facebook?

Coaches aren't on either. RW is on both. RW recently added a contact called MiniScot and thought (incorrectly!) that it was BR!

(BR) We've had a couple of issues but the players just have to be smart. They have been briefed at their 1:1 sessions. We wouldn't want any rugby environment stuff being Tweeted. But no plans to ban players. What they do on their own time is down to them as long as it doesn't become a club issue.

(RW) An enthusiastic user and feels they're useful tools when used responsibly.

(DM) Social media is here to stay and an important vehicle for the club and its sponsors but a bit of guidance is recommended.

(KN) Everything we say is viewed by the media and we have to be aware of that.

New shirts?

(RW) Hoops will remain. Slight colour change to make the red a more cherry colour. But not massive changes. New away and European shirts in the pipeline. Kooga will be the new supplier. We are looking at black shorts but red shorts have been registered with Premiership Rugby. But we are listening. KN pointed out the issue of colour clashes.

Kingsholm fit for purpose for World Cup?

(RW) Yes, capacity is fine. No plans to develop stadium until we start to fill the stadium more often. Shed is an institution and will remain. Potential signings love the prospect of playing here.

(KN) We won the bid as we are a traditional rugby club, have a big enough stadium and have staged international games before.

Insight into the new front rowers?

(CH) John Brain spotted Dario. Was playing in South Africa but not getting much of a look in due to the quota system. Powerful scrummager with a bit of fitness work to do but potentially we've unearthed a diamond.

Dan Murphy was a victim of circumstance at London Irish as they were encouraged to play Alex Corbisiero by England and Clarke Dermody was the club captain. He's reported in good nick, a real specimen and will push Nick Wood. Very positive about them both.

Matias Cortese also scouted by John Brain playing for the Jaguars in the Vodacom Cup. Big man who has played Premiership before and he arrives on Friday. Will give a contrast to Scott Lawson.

Any investment in identifying more local talent?

(BR) Yes. We can't go outside area to recruit for Academy without paying compensation. We know we have to develop local talent and have changed some of the roles in the senior structure to facilitate that. We've probably neglected scouting but are moving to improve that.

(RW) Great relationship with Hartpury. New facilities being built at Hartpury for sole use of Gloucester Rugby which will be superb and a great asset for the club.

Location of the Player of the Season awards?

(BR) I didn't have any say and don't mind where it is.

(DM) It's a very good point and we'll look into staging it in a more central position.

Why are the bar prices so high?

(KN) It's not actually true. We monitor prices at the local pubs and we're competitive in comparison in most areas. We talk to focus groups about the Shogun bar who said it was the environment that they wanted improved so we spent about £30,000 on improvements to give it a more 'club' feel. Our brewery partner tells us that changing customers' habits is hard.

On available types of beer?

(KN) We do listen to feedback and started to stock real ale when it was asked for - we sell 10 barrels a game but can't afford to over stock and see it go to waste due to its limited shelf life. We have a contract with Coors and are obliged to stock their products.

Music over the PA?

(KN) The PA system does need improving but would be very expensive to do so. We ask a cross section of supporters what they want in terms of music over the PA and the vast majority said they wanted it.

Do the club visit local clubs to assess talent?

(BR) We do attend talent id sessions for younger players. The A League offers possibilities for local club players but it is difficult in terms of insurance cover and also the level of talent. Being brutal, if someone playing for a local club is good enough to play for Gloucester then we'd be aware of it.

Marquee players?

(KN) This year salary cap remains the same. Next season it will go up by around £300k. The following year, one player can sit outside the salary cap. The so called marquee player. There is a view that such a player could be viewed as a mercenary but some clubs think they could get a special player.

(BR) You have to be very careful. What defines a marquee player? It's a risk. Dan Carter hardly played for Perpignan as he ruptured his Achilles but they still had to pay him. Culture to us is more important to us that bringing in a marquee player. Does it make you successful? Only time will tell.

(RW) We've tried big names in the past and it hasn't always worked. We're still paying off the new stand. We still invest in the club. People think we've taken money out of the club. We haven't taken a penny. The risk is high. I'd prefer to invest in three or four of our younger guys, people who live, breathe and die Gloucester Rugby. If the right marquee player is there, we'll support Bryan's choice but Luke Narraway believes the atmosphere at Gloucester is better than it ever has been and that's something money can't buy.

David McKnight's first 6 months as Chairman?

(DM) It's a privilege. I love being here. A great set of people running the club and a wonderful set of fans. I'll stay as long as I'm wanted, I'm loving every minute of it.

After a good start, and dominating for long periods at the Ricoh, skipper Tom Savage spoke after the Wasps defeat to GRTV about the small things that Gloucester have to work on as well as focussing on some of the positives.

Gloucester Rugby will take on Wasps on Sunday in their first ever visit in the Aviva Premiership to the Ricoh Arena. Speaking to the local media today, Director of Rugby David Humphreys previewed the game as well as giving an update on the injured Henry Trinder.

Following the 48-10 Aviva Premiership win over London Welsh on Saturday, Dan Murphy praised his team mates for battling right up to the very last minute in difficult conditions and maintaining the momentum that the team have built in 2015.

Henry Purdy scored two memorable tries against London Welsh at Kingsholm on Saturday, and attributed the first one to hard work on the training ground before describing how much he's enjoying playing his rugby alongside friends like Callum Braley.

Premiership Rugby today announces a new partnership with Singha Beer, which confirms the premium Thai lager as the new title sponsor of the Premiership Rugby 7s Series and an official partner of Premiership Rugby.